International Relations in the Ancient Near East, 1600-1100 Bc (Studies in Diplomacy)

The ancient civilizations of the Near East--Egypt, Assyria, Babylonia, the Hittites, and Canaanites--constituted the first formalized international relations system in world history. Holy wars, peace treaties, border regulations, trade relations, and the extradition of refugees were problems for ancient ambassadors and diplomats as much as they are today.